8 (K-D 50)
A warrior is wondrously brought into the world
for the use of lords by two dumb things;
brightly extracted, which for his hurt
foe bears against foe. Strong though he is
a woman binds him. He obeys them well,
serves them quietly, if maids and men
tend him duly, feed him fairly.
He exalts them in comfort for their joy in life,
grimly rewards one who lets him grow proud.
Probably Fire, the two dumb things (l. 2) being flint and steel.
9 (K-D 83)
Ancient my lineage . . . . .
I lived in towns after the keeper of fire
. . . . . encircled with flame
purified by fire. Now earth’s brother,
an enemy, guards me, who was first for me
a bringer of sorrow. Full well I remember
who in the beginning drove my lineage,
destroyed all the world. I may do him no harm,
but I raise up captivity from time to time,
the wide world over. I have many glories,10
no little strength in all the land,
but I must conceal from every man
the secret power of precious skill
and the path I follow. Tell what my name is.
The text is uncommonly difficult, as though the author tried too hard to be “poetical.” The answer must be Metal in some form: ore, gold, money. The keeper of the fire is Tubal Cain (Gen. 4:22).
